An exhibition at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Koramangala, Bengaluru. | Photo credit: Sudhakara Jain
The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru will celebrate National Science Day as the IIA Open Day at its Koramangala campus on February 21 from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. This event is open to everyone, there is no entry fee and no pre-registration is required.
The institute will showcase a large number of demonstrations and interactive experiments in astronomy and fundamental physics, along with films, photographs and touring exhibits about research at the IIA and space sciences.
Many external organizations such as the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, VITM and amateur astronomy groups, as well as a number of astronomy entrepreneurs, will set up stalls for visitors, according to the IIA.
Highlights include a tethered balloon demonstration, laser experiments in the optical lab, viewing sunspots and solar spectra, exhibits on Gaganyaan, ancient Indian astronomical instruments, multi-wavelength astronomy, atmospheric and optical phenomena, a walk-through space corridor, interaction with scientists, the solar system to scale, measuring the size of the Sun for children, the IIA 1700 Astronomy Play Room, astronomy merchandise sales and a science quest treasure. Survey of India exhibits will be displayed in the adjacent campus.
At 11:00 am there will be a public lecture in Kannada on solar system by Pavan Gramapurohita, at 12:30 pm there will be a Kannada science play and at 3:30 pm there will be a talk by Annapurni Subramaniam on star merger in English. Regular tours of all exhibits in Kannada will also be organized.
Visitors can avail limited parking inside Survey of India Quarters, Gate 2, next to Union Bank.
Published – 18 Feb 2026 12:49 IST